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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
Story & photos by James Stoness
The War of 1812 created some tense moments north of the St. Lawrence River. The fighters from the south seemed determined to take over the British holdings to the north. It was necessary to ensure that supplies and troops and other citizens could travel safely up through the narrow part of the river, which consisted of many rapids all the way from Montreal up to Prescott in Ontario.
Locating the fort at the head of the less navigable water, and just opposite Ogdensburg, in New York State, would provide important military advantages for protecting the Canadian shipments along the river. It also protected the community of Prescott because if the strategic point went to the enemy, things would be very difficult for the rest of the British colony. Shipping was easy along the river to this point near the head of the rapids. Goods were then unloaded to smaller vessels to run the rapids. Nothing could be allowed to disrupt this flow of goods. Troops from Ogdensburg began making raids on the boats, which led to a weak retaliation. Later when the river froze the local militia and troops at Prescott formed a pincer movement that forced the enemy to retreat from Ogdensburg.
The work began on Fort Wellington in 1813 to construct a wall of earth around the central buildings. The wooden blockhouse, which would hold a contingent of about 150 army personnel, sat in the middle for protection. A dry ditch or dry moat protected the earth wall except on the north side. A log palisade wall offered further protection. They created tunnels within the earthen wall and stored supplies. They created extra strong storage centres out of cut stone. Similar structures had gun slits. The stone protected the defenders, and the open slits allowed good fields of view of the enemy. A couple of 24 pound cannons sat near the southern corners and made it unsafe for enemy ships to enter the narrow part of the river. Apparently these cannon had sufficient range to also fire onto the buildings of Ogdensburg.
The fort offers the visitor a glimpse into the conditions around the time of the War of 1812. It is now Fort Wellington National Historic Site. It’s a really impressive place to visit but the parking lot is not large and it’s difficult to park RVs unless you get there very early in the morning.
Period costumed staff roam the grounds acting more or less as they would have in the time the fort was active, and they will answer your questions. A little time spent inside the blockhouse will possibly impress you. Some of the rooms look very homey, with comforts of a nice stove, comfortable looking bed and good furniture. Of course that’s for the upper brass. For families of troops, it might be a single cot for him, and mats under it for the women and children. That was often the case. Single men were jammed into even rougher quarters. They were there to fight, not be comfortable. Follow some of the tight tunnels that take you out to the enclosed fighting rooms with the gun slits.
Outside, you walk to the tops of the earthen mounds to view across the river. Perhaps as you stand beside the 24-pound cannon, imagining enemy ships slipping down the river you are already firing the cannon. Wow, what a blast for you standing that close. Down below, picture the less than happy recruits being lined up and put through their paces, and hear the shouting of those in charge. Perhaps there’s also the crack of some rifle practice. And maybe you will really see and hear a cannon being fired.
Programmes depend upon the time of year and you may be able to get guided tours by costumed staff. Some cost extra dollars. The Fort Kids programme provides one day per week for kids 7 to 12 to retreat in time and live themes of 200 years ago. Different themes include a Soldiers Day, Pirates Day, Royal Engineer Day, and Archaeology Day. It’s been a popular programme and fills up fast.
If you are over 18, you can sign up to be in the Royal Artillery for the day and train to be part of the gun crew, and perhaps fire the loaded cannon. You have to reserve this one. Also for a fee, you can join a whisky tasting event and hear stories. If you are impressed with the fort, you can rent parts of it to hold a small private event, but at a healthy fee.
Of course the war threat was a couple of hundred years ago, but every effort is made to make you feel the undercurrent of being ready for an attack. If you drive down the river a couple of kilometres you will come to the site of the Battle of the Windmill, which was another ill fated attempt to capture land in Canada.
The St. Lawrence River was the focus of the enemy and, if history is of interest to you, then this area will provide the facts of what happened, and at the same time provide an abundance of great scenery.
For your Information:
- About the fort: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/wellington/visit.aspx
- Battle of the Windmill: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/windmill/index.aspx